Description
At its core, a whoopie pie is a sandwich made from two soft cookies, often filled with a sweet and creamy filling. The gingerbread variety takes inspiration from the classic gingerbread cookie, packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This is then paired with a luscious cream cheese filling that brings a cool, tangy contrast to the spiced cookies, creating the perfect flavor profile.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling
4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
🧁 1. Make the Gingerbread Cookie Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar together until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat until just combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
🍥 2. Bake
Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie onto prepared sheets (leave 2 inches apart).
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until puffed and set at the edges.
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🧈 3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then beat until light and creamy.
If too soft, chill for 15–20 minutes before assembling.
🍪 4. Assemble
Match cookies by size.
Spread or pipe about 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
Top with another cookie and gently press to sandwich.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, dust the whoopie pies with powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of white chocolate on top. You can also chill them for 30 minutes before serving for a firmer texture and even richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 290
Keywords: Gingerbread Cookies, Whoopie Pies, Holiday Whoopie Pies, Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies